FRANKFORT, Ky. – The state spent $75.2 million to clear snow and ice from roads this winter — a “significant increase” compared to what it spent to clear highways the previous two winters.

Nancy Albright, a deputy state highway engineer, told the legislature’s interim Transportation Committee that the state spent $42.3 million in 2013, and just $28 million in 2012, on snow and ice removal.

However, Albright said this winter’s costs were slightly below the $76.6 million spent to clear the winter highways in 2011.

The money comes from the Transportation Cabinet’s maintenance program. Albright said this year’s cost of $75.2 million represents a bit more than 23 percent of the maintenance program’s budget.

Because the cost for snow and ice removal was higher than normal this year, Albright said the state has had to cut back on some other maintenance activities, such as tree and brush removal, lighting and signal improvements, and the machine-patching of potholes.

This winter’s tab included: $29 million for materials like salt and liquid calcium chloride, $20 million for contracted equipment, $9 million for state equipment and $17 million for state labor, Albright said.

Reporter Tom Loftus can be reached at (502) 875-5136. Follow him on Twitter at @TomLoftus_CJ.